The Transitional Federal Government of Somalia continues to come under great pressure from militant extremists, with attacks almost daily in the capital Mogadishu and other areas. Top U.S. officials are conducting a review of the nation’s strategy for crafting a comprehensive solution to the ongoing crisis there, as well as reaching out to the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia with support and humanitarian aid.
Highlighting this U.S. commitment, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will meet with the Transitional Federal Government’s president, Sheikh Sharif Ahmed, while she is in Kenya for the U.S.-Sub-Saharan African Growth and Economic Cooperation Forum. They are expected to discuss the situation in Somalia and strategies for eliminating extremist threats, the U.S.’s commitment to addressing the dire humanitarian situation, and the unwavering U.S. support for the Transitional Federal Government, African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and international efforts to stabilize Somalia.
The Secretary will visit 7 African nations in five days – South Africa, Angola, Cape Verde, Nigeria, Liberia, Kenya and the Democratic Republic of Congo – a trip that follows an appearance and major speech by President Barack Obama in Ghana in July. Both leaders are committed to making Africa a priority in U.S. policy.
Indeed, the U.S. is deeply engaged on several fronts, partnering with governments, the private sector, non-governmental organizations, and private citizens to build societies where each individual can realize his or her potential.
VOA
IRIN NEWS/SOMALIA
In Somalia for many years, corrupt educated elites have made career and comfortable living from the misfortunes of the poor and uneducated.
They show the world the suffering of the poor but when the rest of the world responds generously to alleviate the suffering, the money end in the pockets of the elite and the suffering continues.
It’s the result of such never ending abuse that we get extremist bent on destruction. Its time to examine the work of the aid agencies, local NGOs and the people who work for them.
What percentage of the aid actually reaches the poor? How can we verify their claims are true? Unless we get straight answers and poor get their fair percentage of the international aid, we’ll be in the same circle.